I sure miss updating my Yartstik but it doesn’t mean I have stopped painting or doing any kind of arts at all. If you take a peek at my other blog, you may find that I’m still alive and kicking… also having my hands full of that little cheeky boy who turns 8 months today (25th Dec. 2012).

Anyway… back to my main intention of writing this post in the wee morning—

I’m happy to share the latest painting which was commissioned by my old friend as a Christmas Gift to her loving mom.

Watercolor on Paper.

She wanted a scenery painting with some fishermen coming home from the sea… something that will remind her mom of Terengganu, the Malaysian State of which she used to live many years ago (now she resides in Johor).

Well, I sure hope her mom will like it.

I seldom paint this kind of scenery. To make the sea-water looked alive was quite a challenge… but I tried my best and perhaps I should practice (and study) the “water elements” more to make it better next time.

The local newspaper, The Star has reviewed the Malaysian Watercolor Society (MWS)’s exhibition on the 25th March,2012.

I was surprised and excited to see one of my paintings right smack in the middle of it! I hope they don’t mind I copy and paste from the article to my post here. Great write-up, by the way. The writer took an effort to interview me over the phone too:-

Motley Talents

By OOI KOK CHUEN

Keep on eye on the new generation of artists in this three-decade-old society.

IT has gone largely unnoticed that the Malaysian Watercolour Society (MWS) is 30 years old this year, although it was only registered in 1983, the year it held its first exhibition.

But since 2004, MWS has undergone guided renewal, with dramatic booster jabs of young talent. Ooi Aik Cheong and Yeo Eng Peng were brought in that year, followed by Nurhayati Md Yusoff and Chia Seng Chai in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Experienced hands Jansen Chow, Khoo Cheang Jin, Lee Weng Fatt, Loo HooiNam, Zaharuddin Sarbini and the older Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts duo of Tan Sik Yaw and Khor Seow Hooi were also conscripted for a steadying influence.

The society is known for its quirky ratio of gender, geography (location) and race, with the most important and unwritten criterion being “acceptability”.

A highly anticipated yearly event, especially in the 1980s when exhibitions and venues were few and far between, the MWS Show has also become a report card of the participating artists, besides being a useful platform for them in their fledgling years.

For example, Chang Fee Ming went on to attain spectacular international status, especially for his Mekong riverine odyssey, while Chin Kon Yit’s architectural survey of Malaysian cities since 1998 has made its way into coffeetable books.

The society, however, was disbanded briefly in 1990, and rebranded as the Malaysian Watercolour Organisation (MWO) in 1992. But it was reregistered as the MWS in 2007

In its latest exhibition, currently on at NN Gallery inKuala Lumpur, Ooi, Khoo Choo Kian and Shireen Lee (inFukuoka,Japan) are among those missing from the younger crop. New president Aminah Abdul Rahman is absent too, although she was actively involved in organising the show.

Of the 25 artists who took part in the inaugural 1983 exhibition, only Dr Wong Seng-Tong, 73, and Yong Look Lam, 50, have put up works this year. While Wong Juk Jen, Tsai Horng Chong, Wong Nai Chin and Le Chek Wen have passed on, nearly half of the original members had split to form the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association, which had its first exhibition in 1994.

But Dr Wong, who “retired” as president in 2010 after a yeoman service of nine two-year terms since 1992, is not the oldest of the pack in MSW 2012. The honour goes to Cheung Pooi Yip, 76, the Sungai Petani-based artist who opted for aPenang street scene instead of his better known abstracts. Dr Wong, who was strong on portraitures in the past decade, has returned to natural highland landscapes.

Look Lam excels with his piece, Semporna, Sabah, which shows a crouching boatman guiding his sampan through a forest of wooden stilts.

Architectural facades and landscapes remain popular among the 83 works of 28 artists, who show different approaches and styles. It’s back to more conservative terrain, unlike in the last two years, when the exhibitions leaned towards more contemporary concerns.

The game may have changed today, with greater Internet exposure and physical mobility, and technically improved materials. Still, there is nothing like the alacrity of washes, the spontaneity of strokes, the subtle play of light, and the sheer splendour of colour coquetry!

For architectural heritage, Lee Weng Fatt imbues his facades with heavily textured ducals, while Jansen Chow plays with vibrant hues of light, infractions and reflections, often from a strategic junction viewpoint. Khoo Cheang Jin and Khor Seow Hooi zero in onIpoh’s old buildings, with depictions of the railway station and the old town at Jalan Bandar Timah, respectively.

The floral parade is led by Koh Shim Luen, with insects camouflaged and enmeshed among petals and leaves, with Tean Wei Gin, Lee Sing Pan and Md Nor Bidin keeping her company.

The MWS’ next generation of thirty-somethings in this show certainly bears watching: Nurhayati, King Ban Hui, Yeo Eng Peng and Mohd Faizal Zainal.

Nurhayati, a United States graduate with a minor in visual art, is known for her works on the Thumbelina-like caprice of children, for which she uses her niece as model. But in MWS 2012, her LuncailDengan Belon-Belonnya resounds with the flightiness of e.e. cummings’ mud-luscious poem, In Just.

Still on little girls, Ban Hui exploits the innocence and fragility of expressions to suggest, ominously, a tension with their immediate environment.

Eng Peng has switched from realistic depictions of local fruits to floral bouquets, but with an impetuous dash. Newcomer Jackie Chin’s Bicycle Part 2, with the precarious balance of the side stands, recalls the quaint bicycle social commentaries of Chow Chin Chuan.

Zaharuddin Sarbani’s works of mangoes in the kebun, with spots and sap, reveal this engineer-turned-artist’s affinity with Nature. Stalwart Calvin Chua captures the cleansing ritual of water with a continuation of his River Series, which he started in 2007.

Also taking part in the exhibition is Datuk Tengku Alaudin Tengku Abdul Majid, who was secretary-general of the-then Culture, Arts and Tourism Ministry until he retired in 2003.

It’s a motley crew of talents whose aim should be to raise the bar and take the Malaysian Watercolour Society into new territory.

This coming weekend, Sunday 18th March 2012, Malaysian Watercolor Society (MWS)will have a soft-launching of its annual group exhibition at the NNGallery (please see more info below).

NN GALLERY

cordially invites you and friends to

the launch of

MWS 2012 ANNUAL

a watercolour exhibition by members of the Malaysian Watercolour Society

on Sunday 18th March 2012 at 5pm

exhibition continues till 31st Mar 2012

rsvp 03 4270 6588 (Zul / Kokila)

NN Gallery proudly presents MWS 2012 Annual Exhibitionfrom 17th until 31st March 2012. This exhibition will showcase recent works by 28 members of the Malaysian Watercolour Society (MWS). Members of the MWS have actively participated in local exhibitions as well as many invitational programmes in Asia and in other foreign countries.

The quiet fashion of watercolours is ideal for capturing everyday scenes. A spot painter would find a location and begin a narrative of his surroundings. A favourite amongst the members of this society are rural, floral and fauna, figurative and picturesque scenes. With strong affiliation to our roots and heritage they continue to paint scenes that are reminiscent of early years past, life in the kampungs, the going-ons of local scenes and historical landmarks and buildings.

With a deep concern to bring back watercolour to its glory days, this much loved and much overlooked medium presented in this exhibition will highlight some interesting facets of Malaysian life and environment.

So… I’ve decided to show 3 of my latest watercolor works and choose the study of figures (in black & white watercolor) for this exhibition. I really enjoyed making these paintings even though it was quite a challenge to handle the values of black and turning them into the human forms. I’ve found that the dry brush technique worked best for the purpose. Contrasting them against the colorful backgrounds made them more interesting to look at (in my opinion). Just like our life… what would it be without colors?

I’ve been postponing to update ( or… it’s more like neglecting) Yartstik for quite some time… but that doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned my Art ventures altogether. You can always visit DoodleDesign to see what I’ve been up to lately :).

This week, I’m officially about 8 months being pregnant! Can you believe how fast the time passes by? I can no more sit for long hours doing my thing. I even spend less and less time online lately too. However, I feel I’ve so much to do up there- in my head. It’s just that the body can’t really keep pace with my thoughts. Ha!

Most importantly- anyway, I’m happy with my little one’s progress so far… and even happier with March approaching because I will be participating in 2 Group Art Exhibitions in Kuala Lumpur soon.

The first Group Art Exhibition is organized by the Women Artists at the ARTSENI GALLERY, Lot 10, Kuala Lumpur:-

For this exhibition, I’ll be showing a painting I’ve done last year but has not been exhibited in Kuala Lumpur yet. Apart from that, I was also responsible for the whole graphic designs for the Exhibition’s catalog/ book and invitation card. Hopefully, this exhibition will go on well and we’re all looking forward to meet our fellow Singaporean Women Artists.

Now, the 2nd Exhibition is the Annual Show by the Malaysia Watercolor Society (MWS). As usual, it will be held at the NN GALLERY in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. I’m still in the midst of preparing my new paintings. So, I’ll update more on that later.

This Saturday, I’ll be attending the Opening Ceremony of an Art Exhibition by several of Malaysian Women Artists- 32 of them, to be exact. The artists were all invited by June Art Space which is in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. And yes, my painting will be among them too :).

As you can see on the invitation card, the Art Exhibition will display only LARGE paintings- no less than 3′ x 4′! Furthermore, it will reflect the theme of “Peace & Harmony” by the Women Artists.

In my previous post, I have given you the sneak peek to the progress of my large painting. Now, let’s see what has become of it…

Here’s a painting that for me, has its own meaning and is very different from many paintings I have done before. It’s a combination of watercolor on large watercolor paper and charcoal.

It is entitled, ” Vulnerability”. Simply, it’s a reflection of women in general… being exposed… and vulnerable to her surrounding/ environment. That, women in general are quite fragile, just like flowers… need Protection. When this is understood, we will be in Peace & Harmony.

Apart from the painting above, I have also submitted another 2 paintings that are in continuation of the theme. One of the paintings will be sent to Sokka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) and the other to a gallery in Penang named Island Gallery.

I believe everyone in this world would like to have some kind of peace in his or her life… even a dictator or a murderer. For me, peace is beautiful. If I could paint something to symbolize peace, it would be a Rose. It may be beautiful but it’s quite fragile… and with thorns. But the best part about Peace is when you have experienced its beauty, it will forever remain in your heart even when it’s gone. And our inner being will always be drawn to it like a child wanting forever to love and be loved.

And I’m not just talking about the floral fest but also for me as an artist. It seems that lately, I enjoy painting flowers that captured my heart.

It’s almost like painting a portrait. You really need to observe and understand every aspects that exists on the subject… and feel the contour, the texture… the space… the highlight and shadow.

Anyway, I went to Floria Putrajaya that day and really enjoyed my outing with hubby despite the hot weather. The crowd was not too bad… as we were quite early. A lot of people came with good cameras, I noticed :). Yes, many were enjoying the colorful flowers at every nooks and corners. Some shopped for plants, flower pots and garden needs.

Over at the Bazaar area, things were a bit quiet. Those who were selling clothing, accessories and art & craft stuff were complaining for a slow sales this year. That include the Art Exhibition area- where I put a few paintings with my group of Malaysian Watercolor Artists. It’s either because it was middle-of-the month/ people were there only for the greens, or maybe they were saving money for coming Eidul-Fitr Celebration in the next two months.

The MWS Booth

From far left, Mr.Hubby peeking.. In the middle, my painting... ermm.. I forgot whose painting on the right.

Two more of my paintings on the right side.

Anyhow, I noticed that one of my smaller sized paintings was sold. Yay!

A Rose by any other Name..

As I walked to the next booth, I met one of Malaysia’s very talented illustrator, Kak Emila :).

Kak Emila & her adorable son, Yasin.

After that, hubby and I ventured to the widespread Garden that was specially made for the Event. Let me share some photos with you here…

At Floria Putrajaya 2011

This section was inside a huge air-conditioned space. We saw some local and international flower displays. Amazing!

Outside again, and I fall in love with these exquisite tiny orchids.

More fascinating stuff at Floria Putrajaya this year.

As were making our way out, there was a show going on in Laman Seni (or Arts Bazaar). My hubby immediately recognized the veteran singer, Shamsudin Lamin singing with a young lady singer (who sang beautifully to0!) on the stage.

Shamsudin Lamin performing Live with his traditional band.

After watching his show for a while, buying a couple of matching Batik outfits for us and saying goodbye to another veteran, Pak Sani- the painter; we headed home… heady with sweet scents and memories from the Event.

Pak Sani (the one holding the small watercolor piece on board), one of Malaysia's established watercolorists- handling the Watercolor Workshop.

Talking about painting Flowers… I’m in the middle of creating a LARGE piece for another exhibition by Malaysia Women Artists organized by June Gallery, Petaling Jaya. The show will start in mid August.

Take a peek.

It’s not done just yet…

A large Rose painting on 4 x 3ft Watercolor Paper. Still in-progress.

In the meanwhile, I wish all of you Artists out there, Happy Painting and All the Best 🙂 !

A year has almost gone by and now, one of the most awaited events in Malaysia is back!

What is it?

It’s the Floria Putrajaya 2011! Wohooo…!

Please Click on the image to know more about it.

There’s more information at the government’s official site. Find out what’s the hype is all about. And if you’re particularly fond of Roses, this is the year you wouldn’t want to miss out! It is estimated that over 100 species of roses from Southeast Asia and 300 species from the rest of the world will be exhibited. About 13 International flora and landscape designers will be participating- New Zealand, UK, USA, Hong Kong, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, Pakistan, Japan, Kenya, Indonesia, Macao and Thailand.

Theme: ROSES ARE FOREVER

Venue: Waterfront, Precinct 2, Putrajaya

Date: 9 – 17 July 2011

Time: 9am -10pm (Mon – Thurs) and 9am – midnight (Fri-Sun)

Addmission: FREE

Yup. They have a beautiful theme this year. And I’m excited to again fest my eyes to the choreographed nature, sweat in the hot sun, take some great flower pictures and most importantly, pay a visit to the Malaysia Watercolor Society‘s (MWS) Booth! I have been participating in MWS Art Exhibition at the Floria since 3 years back… and this year, it’s another opportunity I would love to enjoy too . So, I am sending a few pieces of my flower paintings including one most recently painted especially for the Event…

Watercolor on Paper, 13″ x 19″, July 2011.

Actually, at this posting time… it is still a work-in-progress.

And I’m thinking that this painting shall be entitled… ” A Love Affair.”